Clinical Hellesdon hand Mulbarton first defeat.

For the second weekend in a row players, coaches and spectators were treated to a typically British downpour as kick off approached in Hellesdon. Unlike last week though, it lasted for the majority of the game but it did not deter both sets of players who looked fired up ahead of our first meeting since 2014/15. There was good news for Mulbarton as Thompson and C. Gibbons both passed late fitness tests and started the game. 

Before the game kicked off there was a beautifully observed minutes silence in memory of former Bungay Town player Aiden Lowe, who sadly passed away last weekend. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this difficult time.

Mulbarton looked for a fast start and Thompson had the ball in the net early on but was denied by an offside flag. Hellesdon then responded with a chance of their own but Hurrell's strike was gathered by Tom Wright.

Ten minutes in and Wanderers had a strong penalty claim as George was taken down inside the area but the referee waved play on before showing Jam a yellow card as he tangled with the defender in the immediate aftermath.

In truth, the first half did not have much to offer in the form of goalscoring opportunities as the defences stood firm and as a result both sets of forwards were feeding off scraps. Mulbarton took control in the final fifteen minutes of the half but Hellesdon did well to contain the pressure with the main opportunity coming when Coombe rushed out and beat George to a through ball before Hayden Gibbons tried his luck from distance but the ball looped over the crossbar and we went into the break level. 

Half Time - Hellesdon 0 - 0 Mulbarton Wanderers

Chris Gibbons was replaced by Adam Bennett as he could not shake off the knock picked up last weekend. This meant we started the half with Altay filling in at the back and Bennett slotting into his position in midfield.

Wanderers could not wish for a better start as we found Jamie Smith on the edge of the box who smartly beat his marker before steering a shot goalwards that was superbly saved by Coombe onto the post but Jamie George was perfectly placed to stab the ball into the bottom corner to give Mulbarton the lead. 0-1

What followed was similar to the first half as both sides enjoyed an equal share of possession without being able to create many clear opportunities. As the final fifteen minutes approached Smudge powered his way down the left flank and made it into the box but the defender did well to apply enough pressure and force Smith to fire just wide. Hellesdon went straight down the other end and grabbed an equaliser as the ball was blocked into the path of Tom Blake who couldn't miss. 1-1

Immediately after the restart Hellesdon broke once again and delivered the ball into the box which found Jack Guyton to the centre of goal who smashed it past Wright to make it 2-1. It was a real misery compiler for Mulbarton as the lead looked comfortable before our opponents had turned the game around in the space of two crazy minutes.

Mulbarton looked for a swift reply as Thompson turned his defender but was denied by the impressive Coombe who dived at his feet to gather the ball. Wanderers continued to commit players forward in search of an equaliser and six minutes from time Hellesdon broke down the right and delivered a lovely ball to the back post which was met by Joe Keeley who provided the sucker punch as he lifted the ball into the top corner to make it 3-1 to the hosts.

There was time for one more in injury time as Brock slid in and the referee awarded a penalty which Jack Guyton scored to grab his brace and complete an incredible comeback.

Full Time - Hellesdon 4 - 1 Mulbarton Wanderers

In the end the scoreline was harsh but in a game of few chances, Hellesdon were rewarded for their clinical finishing in the final fifteen minutes as we lost our shape and our make shift backline was punished. We now look forward to next Saturday as we host Waveney at Mulberry Park looking for an immediate response.

Hellesdon: Coombe, Alexander, Gee, Pantry, Love, O'Donoughoe, Wardale, Guyton, Charlesworth, Hurrell, Blake. Subs: D'eath, Simpson, Keeley

Mulbarton: Wright, Aulert, Sutcliffe, C. Gibbons, Brock, Self, Altay, H. Gibbons, Smith, George, Thompson. Subs: Simpson, Bennett, Doggett